​Inspiration

I will carry his dreams until he can carry them himself. ―Anonymous

"Luke, 27, and Sean, 33, [the Founding Mothers' sons] had been aching to move for years, each negotiating varying degrees of angst, depression and isolation. We followed our sons' lead by making their dreams come true: to move into their own home, with required 24/7 support, allowing them an independent, fully engaged life within the community and at home. Today they are happier than we could have imagined, making the years of strategic planning, frustration, challenges, side-stepping, back-sliding, disappointments and dashed hopes more than worth the sleepless nights experienced through our ongoing journey. Read Sean's Blog.​

Sean (left) and Luke (right) enjoying each other's company in their new home.

​Our learning and experience is the foundation for The Extended Family. Along the way we discovered what we didn't know, what we thought we knew and importantly, what we needed to know. It became, and is, the largest heart puzzle on which either of us has embarked. We incorporated the benefits for which our sons were eligible and augmented the considerable expenses not covered by government assistance. The gulf between their benefits and needs gave rise to our vision.

​​We began thinking of creative ways to staff the house which gave birth to realizing we needed a supportive environment for all involved: residential teams as well as housemates. A key issue of the planning and development phase was that both Sean and Luke are essentially non-verbal. As all Exceptional Individuals are unique, this specific characteristic took center stage in our problem-solving, compelling us to envision a lively, interactive home rather than one that had the potential to be lonely and silent. The unsung heroes who work with our sons are equally important in the house. Much more than employees they are co-creators of our extended family approach, contributing to Sean and Luke's growth, our partners on whom we rely. This focal point sets TEF apart from other traditional housing plans." ―Laurie & Susan, Founding Mothers